Doing business with the Palestinian Territories
Marketing Methods
Marketing is usually handled by local agents and representatives. Exhibitions and trade fairs remain the best arena for promoting a product, though there are relatively few of them. Tele-marketing and the Internet are increasingly popular marketing methods, although the shortage of telephone lines limits this option at present
Channels of Distribution
Marketing is usually handled by local agents and representatives. Exhibitions and trade fairs remain the best arena for promoting a product, though there are relatively few of them. Tele-marketing and the Internet are increasingly popular marketing methods, although the shortage of telephone lines limits this option at present
Channels of Distribution
Foreign firms are advised to use locally registered agents and distributors. It is best to appoint different agents for different product lines. Franchising has yet to take off in the West Bank and Gaza
Department Stores, Supermarkets and Speciality Shops
Retail outlets tend to be single-owner or family-run businesses. The West Bank and Gaza have few department stores and supermarkets, although the number of supermarkets has increased over recent years. Speciality shops are also limited. Local Representation/Appointment of Agents
Department Stores, Supermarkets and Speciality Shops
Retail outlets tend to be single-owner or family-run businesses. The West Bank and Gaza have few department stores and supermarkets, although the number of supermarkets has increased over recent years. Speciality shops are also limited. Local Representation/Appointment of Agents
Generally, the most effective way of doing business is through an agent. British firms seeking an agent are advised to consult the nearest Business Link International Trade Team.
Agents are widely used in the West Bank and Gaza. But potential principals should be aware that the Palestinian Authority (PA) has regulations that only agents registered with the PA (effectively meaning Palestinians) can act as agents in the Palestinian Authority areas.This is designed to capture for the Palestinian economy business which has hitherto often been handled by Israeli agents working from Israel.
The main qualities to look for in an agent are not only his/her ability to obtain business for you, but also contacts in government and local knowledge of how to get things done. An agent should be capable of informing you of the latest changes in regulations and have a knowledge of procedures, and know the best way of opening letters of credit and how to obtain document tenders. An ideal representative would be a company which can provide coverage and service right across the West Bank and Gaza, though an agent will often be able to cover only one or the other. This is particularly the case at the moment because of the closures.
Trade Agreements & Arrangements Between the Palestinian Authority and the Rest of the World
The main qualities to look for in an agent are not only his/her ability to obtain business for you, but also contacts in government and local knowledge of how to get things done. An agent should be capable of informing you of the latest changes in regulations and have a knowledge of procedures, and know the best way of opening letters of credit and how to obtain document tenders. An ideal representative would be a company which can provide coverage and service right across the West Bank and Gaza, though an agent will often be able to cover only one or the other. This is particularly the case at the moment because of the closures.
Trade Agreements & Arrangements Between the Palestinian Authority and the Rest of the World
The Palestinian Authority benefits from free trade arrangements with the USA and Canada and has free trade agreements with the EU, EFTA, Russia, and many Arab countries including Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia
